Canada's Economic Condition in the 1930's

Essay by chillum420High School, 10th gradeA+, January 2005

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The 1920's was the boom of the Canadian economy. Everything was going well, the war was over. Women were fighting for their rights, and received them, and were often considered better for certain jobs. Farming was also at an all time high, selling most produce for a good profit, and being able to live well. This was also a time to own and pay later. Many bought luxuries, cars and new equipment. Many also had radios and enjoyed the shows. This was also a time to profit from the stock market, but it will not always be...

On Tuesday, October 29th, 1929 the stock market crashed. Like Canada, other countries around the world entered the Great Depression. When the crash ended, share holders stocks were worth a fourth of their beginning value, and other who bought the stock "on margin" were left in debt. There was growing anger against the government since they were not doing anything to help the people solve this problem.

That is what started the social safety net that is still here today. Provincial and federal government did not want to take responsibility for the great depression, mainly because they did not know how to stop it. New parties were being formed all across the nation, each having their own ideas on how to help the people.

American investors were supplying most of the money that financed the Canadian economy. So a downturn in that supply or their economy would directly affect the Canadian government. Canadian bankers and business leaders predicted that international trade would reach new heights, so the people believed them. An of course more money was being spent on stocks. Now people were buying stocks "on margin", which meant that they paid a half or third of the value, and...